Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atlas Rheumatology?

Atlas Rheumatology is a rheumatology practice in Collegeville, PA led by Dr. Shady Abdelbaki, a double board-certified rheumatologist and internist. We diagnose and treat autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, lupus, gout, and osteoporosis.

Who is Dr. Abdelbaki?

Dr. Shady Abdelbaki, known by many of his patients as Dr. A, is double board-certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine. He completed his rheumatology fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and his internal medicine residency at Yale New Haven Health – Bridgeport Hospital, and he is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University.

When does the practice open?

Atlas Rheumatology opens in January 2027, and we are booking appointments now.

Where are you located?

We are at 409 2nd Avenue, Suite 100, Collegeville, PA 19426. We welcome patients from Montgomery, Chester, and Berks Counties, including Collegeville, Trappe, Skippack, Schwenksville, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Norristown, King of Prussia, and many other nearby communities.

What are your office hours?

Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and we are closed Friday through Sunday. Our scheduling line answers 24/7 at (484) 285-5216.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call (484) 285-5216, where the scheduling line answers 24/7, or book online at atlasrheumatology.setmore.com.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes. We are accepting new patients and are booking appointments now ahead of our January 2027 opening.

Do I need a referral?

It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician, and others do not. Call (484) 285-5216 and our team will help you check.

How can another physician's office send records or a referral?

Referring offices can fax records to (484) 328-6655.

Which insurance plans do you accept?

Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans are anticipated. Our specific plan participation is still being finalized, and accepted plans will be confirmed as contracts are completed ahead of our opening. Please call (484) 285-5216 to confirm your coverage before scheduling.

Will you check my insurance before my visit?

Yes. When our team calls to confirm your appointment, we also verify your insurance and walk through any coverage or cost questions ahead of time, so there are no surprises at your visit.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of your current medications and dosages, any relevant medical records, imaging, or lab results, a referral if your insurance requires one, and a written list of your questions or concerns.

What happens at the first visit?

Your first appointment is an unhurried conversation. Dr. Abdelbaki reviews your history, medications, and any specialist notes beforehand, performs a careful joint and musculoskeletal examination, and you leave understanding your diagnosis, or the next steps to reach one, and your treatment options.

What conditions do you treat?

We treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis (formerly ankylosing spondylitis), lupus, Sjögren's disease, gout, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis, vasculitis, myositis, scleroderma, Raynaud's phenomenon, sarcoidosis, and other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

When should I see a rheumatologist?

Consider an evaluation if you have joint pain, swelling, or stiffness lasting more than a few weeks, morning stiffness of 30 minutes or more, unexplained fatigue along with joint or muscle symptoms, or unexplained rashes together with joint pain.

Read our full guide: when to see a rheumatologist

What services do you offer?

We offer rheumatology consultations, autoimmune disease management, joint and soft-tissue procedures such as joint aspirations and injections, bursa injections, and trigger finger injections, management of biologic and specialty medications, osteoporosis care, and long-term disease monitoring.

What is the difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon?

A rheumatologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats arthritis and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, mostly with medication and other non-surgical care. An orthopedic surgeon focuses on surgical and procedural treatment of bone and joint problems. When surgery is needed, we can coordinate a referral.

What should I do in a medical emergency?

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Atlas Rheumatology is not an emergency service.